News for December 5,
2000

IOC under pressure

The International Olympic Committee have been put under pressure by
the French government and top cycling powers to validate the EPO urine
test, after a meeting in Paris today. The meeting was held between representatives
of the French Ministry for Sports and Youth, the Council for the Fight
and Prevention of Doping (CPLD), the International Cycling Union (UCI)
and the French Cycling Federation (FFC).

An official statement released at the close of the meeting by the
French Ministry for Sport and Youth, said that "...the participants
unanimously agreed that the procedure and outcome of this validation
must be quickly and clearly defined by all the institutions concerned
and specifically by the International Olympic Committee."

However, no date was actually set for the validation of the test developed
by the national Laboratory of Châtenay-Malabry. "The scientists need
time and the ministry said to us that it will do whatever is necessary
to quite clearly write the protocol for this validation," said FFC president,
Daniel Baal.

The UCI and the Société du Tour de France were persuaded in the early
part of the year that the stand alone test would be ready in time for
the Tour de France in July. However, after a legal and medical consultation
held just over a week prior to the Tour, it was decided not to use it.
Mr Baal indicated that a scenario like this would not happen again.
The test (or future tests) will be validated before it is announced
that they will be used.

The possibility of a standardized list of banned substances was also
discussed during the meeting, eliminating (for example) the discrepancies
between the IOC and UCI banned lists. This is to have a "very detailed
amount of attention given to it in 2001."

Other points that were tabled at the meeting included the following:

The official anti-doping control reports will be standardized for
use by the UCI and French authorities in 2001.

From January 1, 2001, detection of corticosteroids will be included
in all the analyses carried out by the national anti-doping laboratory,
regardless of the discipline.

The distinction between the procedures resulting from the application
of French law compared with the UCI's rules will be made clear.

World Online to sponsor
Danes

The internet service provider, World Online will be the head sponsor
of Bjarne Riis' team (TTFKAM) next season, along with CSC. Riis made
the announcement today after securing the one year deal with the ISP,
for an undisclosed sum. The team of 22 are aiming to be amongst the
top 7 teams in the world next year, and have Laurent Jalabert as their
star rider. The team will officially be called CSC-World Online.

"I am a very happy man today, we have a completely sponsored team,"
said Riis afterwards. "I hope that we will show ourselves in all the
Classics, and that the riders will be ready for the Tour de France where
we will aim at stage wins, the green jersey and perhaps a few days in
yellow."

Laurent Jalabert said that he was always optimistic that a new sponsor
would be found. "I trusted the brains trust in spite of the financial
uncertainties that were echoed in the press," said Jalabert to AFP.
"I feel good about this team, which has interesting recruits, and I
believe I will have a good season."

Jalabert will aim for the Spring Classics, as well as other big races.
He is no longer concerned with holding the world number one spot, a
position that he held from 1995 to 1999.

Van Petegem soap

Peter Van Petegem is talking again about his future, after it has
transpired that Greg Lemond's new team is not assured for 2001. The
principal reason for this might be Peter Van Petegem, who needs to extract
himself from a contract with Farm Frites next season.

Peter Van Petegem told Belgian daily, De Standaard on Monday "I'm
welcome with Geert van Bondt and Wim Vansevenant to the Mercury team
in case the Viatel team of Greg LeMond isn't able to start on its own.
I heard from Johan Lammerts that there is an agreement with Viatel,
but not on paper. And I have to wait for a decision from the Dutch federation
(Arbitragecommissie Sportsponsoring) about my problems with Farm Frites.
By December 11 at the latest, it should be clear.

In the Dutch daily, De Limburger Peter Post gives his view on the
Van Petegem situation. "We have to wait and see what the decision from
the Arbitragecommissie Sportsponsoring will be. And if Van Petegem has
to stay with Farm Frites, he is with Domo/Farm Frites next season. We
will build a nice team around him. Three riders, and we will make a
nice program for that group; but they have to train very hard."

While Van Petegem still had a contract with Farm Frites, he signed
an agreement with Mapei on the condition that he his former team manager
Cees Priem would be a part of that team. Peter Post asked a buy out
price of 750,000 Dutch guilders (Euro 340,000). However, because Van
Petegem doesn't want to pay, the Arbitragecommissie Sportsponsoring
has to make a decision about his future.

Peter Post says Van Petegem is responsible for the bad atmosphere
in Farm Frites last year and a lot of incidents surrounding Farm Frites.
"He only wanted to make a lot of money, but with as little as possible
racing. He and Cees Priem ruined the whole team, and Van Petegem knows
that very well. The biggest loser in this soap became the sport of cycling,"
said Post.

Post admits Priem had good results with TVM in the past. "But at what
price? After his arrest in the 1998 Tour there is still an unfinished
doping process in Reims for Priem and his former riders. And then Van
Petegem uses Priem as an adviser."

Garzelli confirms with
Mapei

Despite leaving it until a little late in the season, former Mercatone
Uno cyclist, Stefano Garzelli will be riding for Mapei-Quick Step in
2001. There was some speculation last week about whether he would join
the world's number one team, as he wasn't present at the team's training
camp and hadn't confirmed his signature. There was also the fact that
he had a contract with Mercatone Uno for next year, meaning that a mutual
agreement between the parties was necessary to break it.

During the past few days, World Cycling Srl and Admiral (the society
that manages Mercatone Uno-Albacom) have reached an agreement that allows
Stefano Garzelli to race for Mapei-Quick Step next season. He will sign
the contract in Arona next Thursday, and a press conference will follow.
Dr. Giorgio Squinzi and other members of Mapei staff will be in attendance,
and the new jersey for the team will be presented for season 2001.

Strock's statement

Ever since Greg Strock filed a lawsuit against USA Cycling alleging
that they doped him as a junior, there has been speculation in the media
as to whether Strock was inferring that Lance Armstrong also received
banned substances. Both Armstrong and Strock were teammates on the USA
junior national team during the early 1990's, however that's where the
similarity ends according to Strock. A portion of his statement was
published yesterday, however the full statement follows.

"On November 17, 2000, I filed a lawsuit against USA Cycling, Inc.,
and other parties, stating that I was doped by a former USAC coach without
my knowledge about 10 years ago. I intend to pursue my suit vigorously.
One unfortunate reaction to my suit has been media speculation that
two-time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong, and I traveled together
as teammates during the incidents in question or that Lance may have
been involved in, or had knowledge of, the doping incidents that I experienced.
I would like to set the record straight. Lance and I never raced together,
traveled together or shared the same coach during the time period in
question. Although we were both members of various USAC development
teams at one time or another, Lance did not go on any of the trips where
I witnessed the doping take place.

"Most importantly, Lance was never present during any of the events
where I have alleged the doping took place. I do not believe that Lance
participated in any of the bad acts that I have stated the USAC committed.
Thus, it is completely incorrect for anyone in the media or otherwise
to infer that I have alleged Lance was improperly doped or that I have
alleged he had any knowledge of what happened to me during that time.

"I have always admired Lance as a true inspiration and hero just as
so many others around the world do. I would hope that this statement
will end any discussion of a relationship between my lawsuit and Lance.
There simply is none."

UCI Cyclocross rankings

The latest cyclocross rankings issued by the UCI after the GP de Luxembourg
on Sunday see World Champion Richard Groenendaal (Rabobank) extend his
lead over the pack. Groenendaal has 2,335 points, over 800 clear of
Mario de Clercq who moved ahead of Bart Wellens into second place. Former
world number one, Sven Nijs is holding fourth place at the moment. Top
nation is still Belgium, by a considerable margin from over the Netherlands.

Dutch rider of the year

Erik Dekker (Rabobank) and Leontien van Moorsel (Farm Frites-Hartol)
were voted as best cyclists of the Netherlands in 2000. The announcement
was made in Den Bosch on Monday evening, with various current and former
riders, and staff of the top Dutch magazine, WielerRevue in attendance.
Van Moorsel, a triple Olympic gold medallist, was highly tipped to take
the women's title, adding to her 1999 honour as well as the recent "Rotterdam
Sportswoman of the Year" which she won.

Winner of the men's title, Erik Dekker, impressed everyone with his
three stage victories in the Tour de France, as well has his win in
the Clasica San Sebastian. Best neo-professional of the year was awarded
to Bram Tankink, who will ride for Domo-Farm Frites next season. Finally,
best off road cyclist of the year went to World Cyclocross Champion,
Richard Groenendaal.

Kirchen awarded

Kim Kirchen is to be awarded the title of Luxembourg's cyclist of
the year. The awards ceremony takes place December 12 at Mondorf casino.

Virenque's future

Despite the Damoclean six to twelve month suspension hanging over
him for the EPO use he finally admitted in last month's Festina trial,
Richard Virenque is still looking for a team for 2001. Virenque has
retained former racer Eric Boyer, head of GSR as his agent, and Boyer
has made representations on Virenque's behalf to Italian, Spanish, Dutch,
French and Danish teams.

Boyer said that Virenque was currently spending time with his family
and did not wish to appear before the trial verdicts were returned.
"We respect the work of the UCI, the federations and the Société du
Tour de France," explained Boyer, who is concerned not to put any pressure
on those who will decide his new client's future.

Beloki worried about
Festina situation

Joseba Beloki has admitted he does not yet know if he will ride for
Festina in 2001. "I am confused," he said. "Few riders change teams
in December and the situation is a little strange."

Beloki stressed that if he does stay with Festina his relationships
with the other riders and with manager Juan Fernandez are "perfect"
- it's simply a question of money and career-building. "[The working
life of a cyclist] is short and I must build on my podium placing in
the Tour. This year will be important for me. If I only come sixth,
nobody will remember me."

Beloki has been advised by the UCI to fulfill his one-year contract
with Festina. He was originally offered a high-salary five year contract
but turned it down when it transpired the deal was arranged through
a Dutch intermediary, and instead signed a one year deal.

Festina told to pay up

The Barcelona civil court has ordered Festina to pay 50 million pesetas
to Alex Zulle and 20 million to Laurent Dufaux. The money is their salaries
for the last third of the 1998 season, which Festina team management
company Prosport SA had refused to pay after that year's doping scandal.

Italian teams: Part II

By Jeff Jones

The second of a four part series detailing the first and second division
Italian based teams for 2001. Amore & Vita, Cantina Tollo, Colpack,
and Fassa Bortolo are presented in this installment. Note that Alessio
(mentioned yesterday) have not yet confirmed Christian Gobbi (Ita),
Alexandre Gontchenkov (Rus) or Leonardo Guidi (Ita).

Amore & Vita-Beretta

This was actually a British registered team whose existence was in
danger this year. However, it will continue in 2001 with a reduced line
up. All of the British riders have left, but there is a considerable
influx of Poles.

This wine-sponsored division II squad will retain Danilo di Luca as
its star rider, and 2001 could be a big year for him. They have reduced
their line up to 17 riders, with the biggest loss arguably being Roberto
Sgambelluri to Telekom. However, they have gained Filippo Simeoni (Amica
Chips) and Roberto Conti (Vini Caldirola).

In its second year in 2001, the second division Colpack team will retain
nine of its riders from this year, adding from the defunct Polti team
(which was considered the 'parent' of Colpack) as well as three neo-professionals.

Giancarlo Ferretti's Fassa Bortolo team was an Italian success story
in 2000. Starting out as a brand new team, Fassa Bortolo rode consistently
throughout the season, winning many major races and finishing third
on the UCI team rankings by the end of the year. With riders such as
Baldato, Belli, Frigo, Konyshev, Loda, Petacchi, Rumsas and new signings
Francesco Casagrande, Ivan Basso and Serguei Ivanov, this team could
certainly make it to the top in 2001.

Hoedemakers signs

Belgian Berry Hoedemakers has signed for one year with the German
Team Cologne. He had a contract with the Belgian team Spar-OKI, but
there are financial problems with that team, so he was forced to leave.

Raymond Meijs is the road captain of Team Cologne, and with Hoedemakers
this German team now has five Dutch riders (Jos Lucassen, Paul van Schalen,
and Pelle Kil).

French team news

Despite being expected to return to Bressuire AC, Antony Supiot has
confirmed he will definitely stay with Jean Floc'H for another year.
François Norce joins CR4C Roanne, while Denis Montard leaves that team
for VC Bressan (DN3) and Jean-baptiste Raviot goes to SCO Dijon - Dijon
is also negotiating with Frederic Arnaud.

Nicolas Kocianski will remain in the Loire into 2001. Yannick and
Thomas Meyer are to leave ASPTT Mulhouse, one to go to VCC Morteau-Montbenoît
and the other to Pédale de l'Est d'Haguenau. In Brittany, Yannick Flochlay
leaves Plouvien for VS Quimper, Yann Vigouroux goes to ASK Hennebont
and Fabrice Denmat to VS Ploumagoar.

Guéguen re-elected

Jo Guéguen has been reelected as president of the Comité de Bretagne,
Brittany's cycling body, in a meeting in which the subject of doping
was very much in the air. Henri Perrot, the Breton delegate to the Olympic
Regional and Sporting Committee said cycling was in danger of disappearing
soon if it did not change. Guéguen agreed, denouncing 'cheats' and calling
for the immediate suspension of those who test positive.